Charity fight to raise funds for crippled triathlete

WITHOUT any insurance cover, it costs Richard Holland's family almost $A9000 a month to give him the 24-hour around the clock care he needs in a Cape Town rehabilitation centre

That is only the tip of the iceberg as the family is facing an estimated lifetime bill of between $A600,000 and $A1.8million, should Richard's condition not improve.

Former England one-day cricket captain Adam Hollioake, who now lives on the Gold Coast, is determined to help ease the financial burden by taking part in fund raising boxing event for Richard in Dubai this week.

Hollioake, who played four Test matches and 35 one-day internationals, will step into the ring against former All Black Carlos Spencer on a night organisers hope to make $A140,000 for the family.

The pair will be joined by former Springboks Chester Williams, Conrad Jantjes, and Bolla Conradie on the card.

Former Welsh rugby internationals, Gareth Thomas and Shane Williams, as well as former Ireland and British Lions forward Shane Byrne will also glove up.

Hollioake, no stranger to tragedy himself after losing younger brother and fellow England cricketer Ben in a car accident in Perth in 2002, said he couldn't help but be touched by Richard's story.

"It's so sad - I had no hesitation in saying I would help when I was asked," the 41-year-old said.

"I don't mind putting my body on the line when you consider what Rich is going through."

Richard's sister Pippa said her brother cried when he discovered all the stars were going to fight for his cause.

"He had a huge grin on his face, and no shortage of tears streaming down his cheeks," she said.